Without a variety of gameplay options, combat becomes a major factor when judging Soul Sacrifice. Since the combat is arena based, Soul sacrifice is an arena-combat game. A mission begins; there might be a small smattering of dialogue, and then you fight with the intent of slaying all monsters, killing a specific archfiend, or defeating another sorcerer. The repetitive nature of the combat makes any sustained play a chore. I often found myself wondering if I’d like the game even more with some puzzles and adventure elements alongside the combat.

Offerings, too, lack a certain something. There are a smattering of basic archetypes, within which there is a degree of variety, but it’s largely a question of which effect is being combined with which element. Getting the more powerful offerings can also be problematic, since it’s tied to how well one performs in a given level, and the scoring system is never fully outlined.

In fact, explanation is Soul Sacrifice’s biggest weakness. While this works wonders in the story itself, the various gameplay systems at work are also not fully explained, and, while the manual offers some elucidation on these matters, the bulk of the game’s intricacies must be unveiled through experimentation and blind luck. Given the permanency of decisions in Soul Sacrifice, this can be absolutely terrifying.

None of these problems deprive Soul Sacrifice of being an enjoyable, quality product. It’s an original and moody action-RPG with fast-paced, energetic combat and layers upon layers of depth to explore. That it also happens to look amazing (other than a few spots in which ground textures were somewhat pixelated) is just icing on the cake. This is, by far, one of the most solid games on the Vita.

ByShelby Reiches
Contributing Writer
Date: April 30, 2013

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.5

GraphicsSome of the best on the Vita, though some pixelated textures do detract in spots.

4.5

ControlIntuitive and responsive, the controls take a combat system that could have been a nightmare in its complexity and turn it into a pleasure.

4.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice ActingThe English voices might be a bit weak at times, but they’re generally enjoyable. Combat sounds are appropriately meaty and satisfying as well.

4.5

Play ValueTons of content combines with branching paths and online play to help Soul Sacrifice deliver a tremendous amount for a single package.

4.3

Overall Rating - GreatNot an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend

0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid

2.5 - 2.9 = Average

3.5 - 3.9 = Good

4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy

2.0 - 2.4 = Poor

3.0 - 3.4 = Fair

4.0 - 4.4 = Great

5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Reality blended experience where players must sacrifice parts of themselves to obtain great power

Freeform character development as a player's decision would affect the characters abilities and visual form

The first action co-op RPG experience that takes full advantage of PS Vita technical capabilities